Meet The Coaches

Coach Ali was born and raised in New York. A graduate of Queens Community College, he is no stranger to the Queens community! Coach Ali speaks English, Arabic and Spanish. Coach Ali joined Soccer Shots in 2021 and loves to see the excitement in soccer island and the positive impact on children. Ali is passionate about giving children from all walks of life the opportunity to learn and have exposure to soccer and programs that will help them in the future.  He loves the beach & sports, and yes, soccer is one of his favorites! Coach Ali’s favorite foods are vanilla ice cream & french fries.

Coach Dianne is originally from the country of Colombia and was raised in Maryland. She attended the University of Maryland and moved to Queens, NY in 2020 where she rapidly fell in love with the community. Dianne is bilingual in English and Spanish, is passionate about diversity, and loves to learn about new cultures. Coach Dianne grew up watching soccer and learning the game from a young age. Dianne joined Soccer Shots in 2021 and quickly realized that she never wanted to leave Soccer Island.  She loves children, dogs, soccer, music, and trying new things. You will often find her around the area walking her dog, Luna, or having coffee at a local shop with some of her Queens soccer friends and neighbors.

Coach Oliver is of Mexican descent and has lived in New York most of his life. Coach Oliver is pursuing a coaching career and is excited to bring his passion for the sport and child development into his sessions. Oliver believes that soccer brings families together. His favorite memories are of watching the World Cup with his family (and cheering for the Mexico team) and watching Club America with his grandfather. Coach Oliver also knows all about pizza, as he supported his family’s local pizza business for several years.

Coach Kylan is originally from North Carolina and move to Astoria, to explore the vibrancy that Queens offers. Coach Kylan has played soccer the majority of my life, consisting of rec leagues, club leagues, and high school teams. Being a soccer referee was actually my first job!  Coach Kylan has a bachelor’s degree in digital marketing with Minors in Psychology, Art, and Business. He has a passion for creativity and enjoys painting, playing board games, making jewelry, candles, ceramics, and any other artistic medium he can find.  Coach Kylan is looking forward to sharing his love for soccer, creativity, and fun with his soccer friends on Soccer Island.

Coach Brian was born and raised in Queens and is of Dominican background. Brian is pursuing his bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from Queens College. Coach Brian has loved playing sports since he was a little kid. Soccer has always had a presence in his life. His fondest memories are of his family taking him to the local parks to play and meet other children. Coach Brian has a natural ability to make friends. Coach Brian is intentional about his interactions and strives to make others feel comfortable, welcome, and supported around him. Coach Brian wants to bring a big smile to everyone he reaches. Coach Brian likes to bring joy to kids through sports and looks forward to teaching them natural thinking and physical skills.

Coach Skye is a proud member of the Army National Guard. Coach Skye currently attends the University of Suny Westbury where she is pursuing her criminology degree. Giving back to the community is important to her and her family. She is looking forward to positively impacting the children and families through the two things she loves soccer and teaching. Coach Skye is always ready to run and have fun on soccer island! Fun fact, Coach Skye can’t tolerate dairy but loves cheese!

Coach Sarah is from Abu Dhabi and throughout her life she has worked with children (ages 3 – 12) and volunteered at many soccer and athletic camps, training sessions and schools. Most recently, Coach Sarah worked with the Manchester City Soccer School in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Coach Sarah is pursuing a dual degree in Political Science and Psychology from New York University and speak English and Arabic. Coach Sarah is excited to join the Queens soccer community and to build positive relationships with all the children she serves. She is looking forward to creating many memories and smiles through the wonderful sport of soccer! Coach Sarah loves dolphins, sushi, and her favorite color is purple.

Coach Jeff is an educator and actor with a passion for early childhood education and development. He has worked as a preschool teacher through every borough in NYC, including Queens. Coach Jeff is a graduate of New York University. Coach Jeff grew up playing soccer with his friends and enjoyed making memories with his friends. Coach Jeff is a firm believer that children deserve patient, willing, silly, attentive, and connective care. He aspires to celebrate every child’s shine and champion their accomplishments and achievements on Soccer Island. His favorite color is soccer shots orange, and his favorite animal is a cat.